PEOPLE in Coventry are putting on their party shoes for New Year in a bid to shake off recession depression.

Fancy dress costume shops in the city say they have been busier then ever before as would-be revellers show their determination to see in 2009 in style.

Karen Bacon, manager of the Arcade Fancy Dress and Party Shop in the City Arcade, said: “I think people are partying to forget.

“We are always busy at this time of year, but I think we have been busier than usual. People want to be happy.”

The shop’s most sought-after costumes are Superheroes and 70s outfits: “Superman and Wonder Woman have been the most popular, also V for Vendetta and (supervillain) the Joker,” said Karen.

“Seventies-style costumes are also always popular, I think because of their glamour rock association.”

At Jokers Corner in Whitefriars Street, it was a similar story: Gail Shineton, who owns the business with husband Bill, said: “The shop has been packed out every day.

“We have been in the business in the area for nearly 20 years and we seem to have got busier all the time.

“There is an ever growing interest in dressing up. Young people wear fancy dress now to go clubbing and being near the university we get all the students in. It’s not unusual now for people to have a few fancy dress outfits in their wardrobe.

“More people buy now than hire because prices have come down and someone would only have to wear an outfit a couple of times to get their money’s worth.”

Gail and Bill have also found hot demand for 70s-style costumes: “A lot of places seem to have 70s nights because of the music,” said Gail.

Their strangest request recently was for a lettuce outfit. “It’s about the only thing we didn’t have; we could manage a banana, but not a lettuce!” said Gail.

It is rare to get a request they cannot meet: “We can usually oblige; it is a challenge,” said Bill. “We are not party goers ourselves, but we like to help others enjoy themselves.”